The Hamptons Doc Fest, now in its 16th year, was founded by filmmakers to champion and celebrate the rich, diverse and eclectic world of documentary film. Hamptons Doc Fest is the only all documentary film festival on the East End of Long Island. We aim is to bring the work of talented and inspired documentary filmmakers to new and loyal audiences. We recognize and honor film and filmmakers who deserve a closer look.
Our annual multi-day festival of ‘all docs all day’ welcomes filmmakers and documentary film lovers to the historic village of Sag Harbor, NY for screenings, discussions, panels, awards, and celebrations. In this intimate, walkable setting festival-goers enjoy the local area’s unique shops, restaurants, inns, museums, and parks. Take in the water views on Long Wharf and the Windmill aglow in holiday lights before entering Bay Street Theater. From there the newly renovated Sag Harbor Cinema, with its state-of-the-art projection and sound capabilities, is a short walk away. The inviting and friendly atmosphere of this filmmakers' festival is conducive to connecting with other filmmakers and industry professionals. Visiting film artists and guests routinely comment on how the festival is professional, welcoming, well organized and affordable.
The Hamptons Doc Fest screens approximately 30 films including features and shorts. The festival runs 6 days during the holiday season. Our mantra is 'all docs all day.' For 2023, the festival begins on November 30 and ends on December 5. Be part of it and submit your film.
The festival attracts many giants in the world of documentary film such as Sam Pollard, Dawn Porter, Laura Poitras, Susan Lacy, Chris Hegedus, Alex Gibney, Liz Garbus, Barbara Kopple, Stanley Nelson, Jr, Sheila Nevins, Robert Kenner, Nancy Buirski, and Frederick Wiseman who come to support emerging talent and to celebrate fellow directors and producers. The festival is vibrant with the latest in documentary filmmaking news and is positioned to be a must-stop on the festival circuit.
Hamptons Doc Fest highlights include: Friday Spotlight Film and the Saturday Gala.
Our annual Saturday Gala continues to honor and celebrate visionaries in the world of documentary film. As filmmakers, we stand on their shoulders. To name a few we have been honored to recognize: Sam Pollard for his monumental career as a dedicated chronicler of the black experience in America; Dawn Porter a filmmaker with a sharp-eyed, penetrating focus on truth and justice; and Robert Kenner for his 30-year insightful and compelling documentary oeuvre. Other recipients include Richard Leacock, Susan Lacy, D A Pennebaker & Chris Hegedus, Stanley Nelson, Jr., Liz Garbus,, Sheila Nevins, and Fredrick Wiseman.
YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMMING
Hamptons Doc Fest promotes the festival’s mission throughout the year.
DOCS EQUINOX, an April/May 3-day festival program of invited documentary films with an environmental theme.
FILMARTS+FORUM, a 12-month outreach program that screens festival films at cultural institutions, art museums, galleries, and community centers.
YOUNG VOICES education program with media arts' workshops and in-theater screenings for local middle and high schools.
MEDIA & PUBLICITY
The Hamptons Doc Fest receives extensive local, county and state print coverage in newspapers and magazines such as Newsday, Southampton Press, East Hampton Press, Sag Harbor Express, East Hampton Star, Dan’s Papers, East End Beacon, James Lane Post, Shelter Island Reporter and Hamptons Magazine, Montauk Life/Hamptons Life, and Montauk Sun. HDF also receives extensive online coverage on Hamptons.com, 27East.com, DansPapers.com, Patch.com, EastEndBeacon.com, SouthForker.com, Brown Harris Stevens' Weekend Guide to the Best in the Hamptons, Compass Real Estate's Hamptons Happenings, and others.
Radio interviews and TV interviews air several weeks in advance of the festival. A robust television campaign with festival spots runs on prime channels prior to and up to the festival.
HDF reaches out to many community organizations.
A consistent social media presence promotes on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, weekly E-newsletters and thru our website https://www.hamptonsdocfest.com.
HDF proudly collaborates with the undergraduate film school at Stony Brook University and the School of Visual Arts SocDoc MFA program giving first-time filmmakers a special opportunity to see their work on the big screen. Many careers are launched at our festival.
Hamptons Doc Fest presents awards in various categories, some which come with cash prizes:
Audience Award to the best documentary feature receiving the most audience ballots; Human Rights Award to a film that celebrates courage in the face of social injustice;
Art & Inspiration award to a film that embraces the vibrancy and experimentation of an artist;
Environmental Award to a film recognizing an important environmental concern;
Impact Award to a film highlighting a critical issue;
Cash prizes may range from $500 to $1000.